SMSL SU-2: a dumb, wasted opportunity

[Lambo1985]

Leaving out USB in a $100 budget DAC is a curious choice, no doubt. I wonder what they consider the primary application for this device. Are CD transports making a comeback?

SMSL mention in the marketing material for this SU-2 that its designed for "monitoring & near-field systems". So, I think this device is aimed squarely at audio professionals that could use a simple & separate DAC solution for mixing and mastering.

If it had USB input it would displace the SU-1. The SU-1 is a hit, and I'd wager that SMSL still wants to keep it on the market.

 

[Human Bass]

SMSL mention in the marketing material for this SU-2 that its designed for "monitoring & near-field systems". So, I think this device is aimed squarely at audio professionals that could use a simple & separate DAC solution for mixing and mastering.

If it had USB input it would displace the SU-1. The SU-1 is a hit, and I'd wager that SMSL still wants to keep it on the market.

Just reduce the msrp of the su-1 price (that is already discounted everywhere) and the 2 is an extra 25 bucks for balanced

 

[wiz2596]

why no USB input SMSL, WHY?

 

[oleg87]

Well, USB chips are not free.

 

[Bleib]

Nope, but USB wouldn't add so much to the cost

 

[fatoldgit]

careful thought and well-planned features set is not the strongest suit of Chinese audio products. Quite the vice versa

Indeed.

I almost feel in love with a Fiio S15.... but in their infinite wisdom they decided that the USB DAC input should be on the front panel. Why not the back or heaven forbid, the front AND the back.

Being the anal bastard I am, no way I want some USB cable hanging out the front of the device ruining what was a beautiful and symmetric fascia. (front panel symmetry is extremely important to me..so the S15 had the display in the middle and two equal sized knobs left and right...at least they got that bit right).

But hey, that's just me

The other one that gets me is just increase the device body sizes a little and use XLR connectors are not TRS. I have a nice set of XLR cables and I am not going to spend additional money getting TRS to XLR cables (or use the 5cent provided adapters)

Or if TRS is important, use the combo connectors that support both XLR and TRS....just like the real pro audio companies do.

Peter

 

[salmo]

If it weren't for the naming, there wouldn't be a problem, but SU-2 is a pretty clear signal that this is the successor to SU-1, which had a USB port, which is a strange move. However, AES/EBU in this class is also a surprise.

 

[MBO]

We don't need that crappy USB input; it's the lowest quality along with the optical input. If you need USB, buy a DDC Converter.

 

[voodooless]

We don't need that crappy USB input; it's the lowest quality along with the optical input. If you need USB, buy a DDC Converter.

What would a DDC do that a normal USB input doesn’t?

 

[VintageFlanker]

It's not like S.M.S.L has dozens of DACs at so many price points... Oups.

Why should one care ? If you have no interest for it, buy another DAC.

 

[Human Bass]

We don't need that crappy USB input; it's the lowest quality along with the optical input. If you need USB, buy a DDC Converter.

This a massive audiophile myth that has been debunked by hundreds of dac reviews here.

 

[perceptionist]

Don't worry, SMSL will come up SU-3 in three weeks to fix it.

 

[Schlippwhip68]

Oh well, no usb, no deal, next?

 

[Roger285]

In this era of affordable networking devices such as the Wiim, and affordable and outstanding amplification (with balanced inputs no less) this device has its place. Would I like it even more if it offered usb as well? Yes, but for the price it's an incredible value and fills a need.

 

[Roger285]

edit: just to be clear, what I'm getting at is that these networking devices don't usually offer usb output. I have two roon endpoints where I'm connecting via optical. the Su-2 is perfect for this application. Just ordered one in fact. Not so dumb really.

 

[Dk33145]

The SU1 has USB input and uses AKM DAC. The SINAD is very very respectable AND it is even cheaper than the SU2. So go with that?

 

[obsessive9119]

Or if TRS is important, use the combo connectors that support both XLR and TRS....just like the real pro audio companies do.

Fosi manage to do this on the ZA3 - so yeah, no excuse really.

 

[FERCSA]

Fosi manage to do this on the ZA3 - so yeah, no excuse really.

Guys. The ZA3 is an amp and it has two XLR/TRS female connector as inputs. The S15 is an a streamer/DAC and it has two XLR male connector as outputs (excluding AES here). It's different!

There is no such thing like a combo male XLR/TRS connector.

 

[Roland68]

Very affordable balanced dac, but SMSL strangely decided to not have usb input, by far the most popular input with tablets and pc.

But hey, it has AES that very few care.

And yes, the original SU-1 has usb.

The SU-2 is actually a brilliant idea if you think outside the box.

- A true balanced DAC for around €100, without the limitations or problems of CS DACs
- AES connection, which is often requested, especially with budget DACs
- Integrated power supply
- Excellent performance, not just for the price.

This is a great device, especially for people who only use a streamer, CD player, or both.

USB functionality is easily achieved with inexpensive DACs, such as the PO100, PO100 Pro, PO100 AK, or Douk Audio U2 Pro, offering a significant advantage over other USB-based DACs.
The Toslink connection provides true galvanic isolation, eliminating the need for further investment in grounding issues.

For €140–170, you get a balanced USB DAC with galvanic isolation. It's unbeatable in terms of both price and performance.

The only thing one could criticize SMSL or Shenzhen Audio for is that they themselves didn't recognize the full potential of this DAC and point out the USB option, or offer it as a bundle with a DDC.

 

[Roger285]

It's perfect for music studio or video editing applications.

In my case I use: video interface AES > dac > passive volume control > active speakers.

Very typical in the video and audio post production business. Perhaps SMSL should have a "Pro" line of products to differentiate it and not annoy the consumer customers?